Device for effecting a seal

ABSTRACT

A device ensuring sealing between fixed or movable removable panels and their frame, especially for automobile vehicles, and comprising: a fixed frame element, a movable panel the flanges of which are faired so as to be substantially in alignment with the profile of the frame, and at least one sealing joint fixed on the panel or on the frame in such manner that when the panel comes side by side with its frame there is an interval between the panel flange and the frame, determining the opening of a gutter the bottom of which is constituted by the said joint.

United States Patent Inventor Jean G. Cadiou Paris, France Appl. No. 778,129 Filed Nov. 22, 1968 Patented Aug. 3, 1971 Assignee Societe Anonyme Automobiles Citroen Paris, France Priority Nov. 23, 1967 France 129,424

DEVICE FOR EFFECTING A SEAL 17 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl. 296/154, 49/476, 49/485 Int. Cl. B60] 7/18 Field of Search 296/146, 154; 49/476, 485, 370

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,737,4 l 2 3/1956 Smith 49/476 X 2,674,487 4/1954 Wernig 49/476 X 2,603,528 7/l952 Higbie 49/485 Primary Examiner-Philip Goodman Attorney -Steinberg and Blake ABSTRACT: A device ensuring sealing between fixed or movable removable panels and their frame, especially for automobile vehicles, and comprising: a fixed frame element, a movable panel the flanges of which are faired so as to be substantially in alignment with the profile of the frame, and at least one sealing joint fixed on the panel or on the frame in such manner that when the panel comes side by side with its frame there is an interval between the panel flange and the frame, determining the opening of a gutter the bottom of which is constituted by the said joint.

PATENTED AUG 3 6971 WHEN 1. UP d lnvenlar J'E/M/ ADIOU la 32141 Me A ttorneyS PATENTEI] M18 3197:

SHEET 3 BF 4 PATENTEU Auc 3 l9?! SHEET 4 [IF 4 Invenlor IE W 0. CAD/OU y Attorneys DEVICE FOR EFFECTING A SEAL The present invention relates to a device ensuring a seal between fixed or movable removable panels, for example doors, and their frames, especially for automobile vehicles.

The technique in current use in the sphere of the doors and frames of automobile vehicles consists in fitting the door panel to the interior of its frame.

The conventional conception has the effect of involving a certain number of drawbacks among which there may be mentioned the reduction of vision due to the lining of the opaque elements, the existence of peripheral clearances directly subject to the action of lateral wind which affect the aerodynamic stability qualities and acoustic comfort; in the case of accidental deformation, the danger of jamming by binding is increased and the possibilities of rescue are diminished.

Moreover the frame linings substantially reduce the ease of access to the vehicle and the establishment of suitable clearance necessitates precise adjustment and generally irksome tooling for manufacture.

The present invention has the object of diminishing these drawbacks by a novel conception of the device ensuring the seal between fixed or movable removable panels and their frames, this conception involving a better cost price, a good appearance and giving better comfort and better safety.

To this end, the invention has for object a device ensuring sealing between fixed or movable removable panels and their frames, especially for automobile vehicles, and comprising: a fixed frame element, a movable panel the flanges of which are faired so as to be substantially in alignment with the profile of the frame, and at least one sealing joint fixed on the panel or on the frame in such manner that when the panel comes side by side with its frame there is an interval between the panel flange and the frame, determining the opening of a gutter the bottom of which is constituted by the said joint.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description of forms of embodiment of the device, which description is given solely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. ll represents a profile view of a vehicle on which different sectional planes at the level of the door frame have been indicated;

FIG. 2 represents a section in the plane A of FIG. 1 of a form of embodiment of the device according to the invention;

FIGS. 3 to 9 represent sections in the plane A in FIG. I of variants of the device according to FIG. 2;

FIG. represents a section in the plane B in FIG. I of another variant of the device according to FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 111 to 13 represent sections in the plane A of further forms of embodiment of the sealing device.

FIG. 2 represents the general principle of constitution of the device according to the invention. In this Figure, which is a section along the plane A defined in FIG. I, the roof 1 of an automobile vehicle comprises an offset flange 2. Opposite to the flange 2, a frame element 3 is fixed on this roof 1. The flange 2 of the roof 1 and the flange 3a of the element 3 are thus superposed and enveloped over their whole length by a sealing joint 4 of elastic material.

The movable panel (for example door) which comes to lie against this lined frame comprises a frame 5 for the glass 6 shaped to abut against the elastic joint 4 and to have a curvature capable of continuing the curvature of the roof 1 to the plane of the door.

To this end of the frame 5 has a face 5a substantially in the plane of the door (that is to say of the glass 6) and connected to a face 51: substantially in alignment with the roof ll.

An interval f is provided between the roof l and the frame 5.

This interval f determines the orifice of a gutter 7 the bottom of which is constituted by the upper lip 4a of the sealing joint 4. By reason of the pressure exerted by the frame 5, and of its end curved towards the upper side of the roof 1, this lip 4a forms a concave channel I). It will be noted that the lower lip 4b is flat, thin and that the frame 5 does not extend below the joint 4.

This frame lining provides increased visibility and ease of access. In fact the frame 5, so to speak, is not visible from the interior of the vehicle. The door gaps are no longer visible and no longer present themselves to the action of side winds.

Moreover it is no longer necessary to adjust the door precisely in its frame, since there are no more parts fitting into one another.

Safety is increased since the door thus framed cannot jam and is mounted like a lid.

The sealing joint 4 also acts as protection against the flange 2 of the roof.

Finally this feature has the advantage of making the frame lining elements beneath the frame 5, and consequently of making the inevitable defects of appearance and burrs invisible.

The variant embodiments represented in FIGS. 3 to 13 concern devices of the same conception, that is to say constituted by the same elements (frame element 3, joint 4 and frame 5), but the conformation and arrangement of these elements vary and auxiliary elements (second elastic joint, decorative trim, etc.) may be added.

Thus in FIG. 3 one again sees the roof l, the frame element 3 fast with the roof l, the elastic sealing joint 4 and the frame 5 of the door.

In this form of embodiment the roof 1 again comprises an offset flange 2.

The frame element 3 is constituted by a very rigid box member the bottom 3a of which substantially horizontal and possesses a recurved external flange 3b opposite to the flange 2 of the roof, this flange 2 being constituted in the form of a gutter 9.

The elastic joint 4 is inserted astride the flange of the gutter 9 and is held in place by the flange 3b. This joint 4 also possesses two beads one of which covers a part of the gutter 9.

The frame 5 possesses an external curvature (5a, 5b) identical with that of the frame in FIG. 2 and here serves as lodgement for sliding panes 6a and 6b. Finally in the closed position the door is in contact, by the upper part 50 of the frame 5, with the joint 4, this upper part 5c of the frame being constituted so as to force back the joint towards the interior of the gutter 9, while an interval f is again formed between the frame 5 and the roof 1.

This arrangement ensures clear lateral access without protuberances, since the joint 4 is set back completely above the horizontal plane of the bottom 3a of the frame element 3.

In FIG. 4, the flange 2 of the roof is retracted and substantially horizontal. The frame element 3 is of box form and has a flange 3b parallel with flange 2 and fixed thereto.

The sharp edge formed by the flanges 2 and 3b is covered by the two beads 4a and 4b of the joint 4. The joint 4 comprises further two lateral wings 4c and 4d, the upper wing 40, with the upper bead 4a, limiting a gutter ll ll, while the lower wing 4d partially covers the lower part of the frame element 3.

The frame 5 is constituted substantially like that in FIG. 3 and comes to bear against the joint 4, slightly pushing back the upper wing 40 towards the interior of the gutter 10.

The joint 4, which here constitutes. the gutter It), ensures lateral sealing, the finish to the appearance and protection against impacts during obtaining access to the interior of the vehicle.

In FIG. 5 the flange 2 of the roof 11 is curved back so as to form a gutter Ill. The frame element 3 is constituted in the form of a fixed box below the plane of flange 2 on the latter. The external face 3a of this element serves as support for the insetting of a tubular elastic joint 4.

The frame 5, which is substantially identical with that in FIG. 4, partially crushes the joint 4 by its lower flange 5d, while the upper part 50 partially overhangs the gutter 11. This variant is conceived so as to utilize a tubular elastic joint.

The variant illustrated by FIG. 6 comprises a pressed profile 12 attached to the descending flange 2 of the roof 1.

This profile 12 has a substantially S-shaped section. The upper arm of this S constitutes, with the flange of the roof, a gutter, while the lower arm of the S serves as setting for the elastic joint 4, the section of which is rectangular here.

The frame element 3 internally conceals the profile l2 and the flange 2 and serves as support for the roof lining of the vehicle, as in the other variants.

There is again an interval f, between the frame and the flange of the profile 12.

This interval limits a second gutter, the joint 4 of which ensures sealing.

In the variant represented in FIG. 7, the assembly is more especially conceived for the use of an attached plastic roof. To this end, the frame element 3 is reduced to a relatively thick profile fixed on the descending flange 2 of the roof and having a substantially S-shaped section.

The upper arm of the S with the roof constitutes a first gutter, while the lower arm serves as support for the elastic joint 4. The frame 5 is identical with that in FIG. 6 and with the upper arm of the S of the element 3 forms a second gutter, the sealing of which is effected by the joint 4.

FIG. 8 represents a framework lining or more refined appearance. To this end a decorative moulding 13 is fixed on the descending flange 2 of the roof 1. This moulding 13 protrudes from the surface of the roof and constitutes a dorsal ridge 14 covered with a plastic profile 15.

The frame 5 is identical with that in FIG. 4 and comes to bear with its lower flange 5d, against the elastic joint 4 fixed astride the flanges of the roof and of the element 3.

The upper part 5c of the frame 5 remains slightly spaced from the roof 1, when the door is in the closed position, but this interval is filled by a lip 16 fast with the profile 15, this lip 16 being associated with a second lip 17 turning down over the upper part 50 of the door, when the latter is reclosed on the frame, pressing upon the lip 16. The initial position of the lips is represented in dotted lines when the door is open.

To diminish the risks of air or water penetration, the gutter defined by the frame 5 and the moulding 13 is sealed by the joint 4.

According to FIG. 9, the frame element 3 is fixed on the offset flange 2 of the roof 1 and its form is such that it defines a first-gutter 18 between itself and the roof, and that it constitutes a lateral extension of the roof.

At the lower end of the dropped edge 3d a first elastic joint 4 is fixed ensuring sealing of the second gutter defined between the frame 5 and the element 3.

The interval f between the upper part 50 of the frame and the extension 3 of the roof 1 is partially filled by a second elastic joint 19 forming a channel and fixed on the frame 5.

FIG. represents the same form of embodiment at the level of the windscreen 20 of the vehicle. The frame element is constituted by the forward upright 21 which comprises a protruding flange 22 supporting the first joint 4. The second elastic joint 19 comes into contact, when the door is closed, with a decorative profile 23.

It is understood that in the variant illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10 the second elastic joint 19 can be fixed on the fixed part of the framework (element 3 or profile 23).

In the variant represented in FIG. 11, lateral access is facilitated to the maximum by the provision of a frame element 3 of flattened box form, having an external protruding flange 3e over which the elastic joint 4 is fixed.

The frame 5 is shaped so as to present a cavity 24 facing the joint 4. The two flanges of this cavity grip the joint 4.

Here again the interval f is to be seen between the frame 5 and the roof 1, the water drainage gutter being constituted by a wing 4a of the joint.

FIG. 12 represents a variant of the device as represented in FIGS. 9 and 10. This variant consists in the provision of a frame 5 comprising an extension of the upper part 5c parallel to the roof surface 1 and capable of lightly covering the edge of the roof, which can comprise, as represented in dotted lines, a raised part in extension of the upper part 50 of the frame.

The interval f exists, as also the gutter defined by the frame and the roof.

Finally FIG. 13 represents another variant in which the two joint lines are obtained with one single elastic joint 4 the two lips 4a and 4b of which constitutes the two water drainage gutters. The frame 5 is shaped so as to bear upon the two lips 4a and 4b.

Contrarily to what is represented in FIGS. 2 to 13, the panels may of course not comprise any glass, in which case the flange of the panels is shaped so as to have the same appearance as the glass frame 5; this is what also happens in the regions where the panel does not comprise any glass (for example at the level of the plane C in FIG. 1).

It will be seen that in all embodiments of the invention the frame 5 of the movable panel is situated at all times outwardly beyond and in nonnesting relationship with respect to the framework 1. When the panel is in its normal position with respect to the framework 1, which is to say the closed position of the panel when it forms part of a door, for example, the external surface 5b forms a continuation of the external surface of the framework 1 and defines the gap f therewith, while the external surface 5a is situated in the plane of the panel. When the panel is in the region of its normal position it moves toward and away from the framework 1 in the general direction of the external surface 5b. The part 50 of the panel 5 has an internal surface which, in the normal position of the panel, is spaced from but directed toward an inwardly directed peripheral flange means which extends inwardly from the external surface of the framework 1 (or the framework 23 of FIG. 10), and in all embodiments of the invention the elastic sealing joint 4 extends between and engages the internal surface of the panel frame and the inwardly directed peripheral flange means of the framework when the panel is in its normal position. Furthermore it will be noted that when the panel is in the region of its normal position with respect to the framework, it moves toward and away from the inwardly directed peripheral flange means of the framework in the direction substantially perpendicular to the peripheral flange means of the framework or substantially perpendicular to the internal surface of the part 50 which is directed toward but spaced from this flange means of the framework and which defines with the inwardly directed peripheral flange means of the framework the space which is bridged by the elastic sealing joint when the panel is in its normal position. In other words, where the panel forms part of a door, this door when spaced at a substantial distance from the framework, such as the framework 1, may move in any direction with respect to the framework. However, when the panel is in the region of its normal position with respect to the framework, or in other words the closed position of the panel in the case of a door, then it moves substantially in the direction of the external surface Sb or the external surface of the framework substantially perpendicularly to the inwardly directed peripheral flange means of the framework 1.

In general, the flange of the panel (constituted by a frame at the level of the glass panes) has a profile which substantially extends that of the frame work under consideration. Thus at the level of the plane A, it is the curvature of the roof which is extended; at the level of the plane B it is a matter of that of the windscreen; at the levels of the planes C, D, E and F it is a matter of the general curvature of the side of the vehicle, and at the level of the plane G it is a matter of that of the lower streamlining of the vehicle.

MOreover, for one and the same vehicle, the arrangement and conformation of the elements constituting the sealing device according to the invention can vary in the different planes A to G, in order to take account of the difference of structure of the framework while retaining the general structure according to the invention in the sealing device.

Likewise auxiliary elements such as trims, supplementary joints may be added. Moreover the frame element 3 can be omitted when an element already exists which carries out this function, as for example for forward lateral uprights of the vehicle.

Finally, it is quite apparent that, according to the general principle described above, other variants of embodiment of the sealing device could be imagined without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. A device for effecting a seal between a panel and a framework, especially for automobile vehicles, the device comprising a fixed framework, a movable panel, a flange on the movable panel faired to prolong substantially the profile of the framework, and at least one sealing joint fixed on the panel or on the framework, the panel and its framework when placed side by side defining a gap between the flange of the panel and the framework and forming the orifice of a gutter, the bottom of which is constituted by the said joint, wherein the panel comprises a frame which has a first external surface in the plane of this panel and a second external surface protruding in alignment with and forming a continuation of an external surface of the framework in a normal position of said movable panel with respect to said framework, said panel being movable toward and away from said normal position thereof, when in the region of said normal position, in the general direction of said second external surface of said panel and said external surface of said framework, said framework having an inwardly directed peripheral flange means extending inwardly from said external surface of said framework at said gap and said panel having an internal surface directed toward and spaced from said flange means of said framework, said sealing joint bridging the space between said internal surface of said panel and said flange means of said framework when said panel is in said normal position thereof and said panel moving substantially perpendicularly to said flange means of said framework toward and away from said normal position of said panel when said panel is in the region of said normal position thereof, and said panel when in said normal position thereof being situated outwardly beyond said framework in a nonnestin g relation with respect thereto.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing joint is fitted over a sharp edge constituted by the superimposition of a flange offset from the roof of a vehicle and of a flange of the framework, and comprises at least one lip constituting the bottom of the gutter.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the frame of the panel has its end formed as a cavity capable of partially capping the sealing joint.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the framework is of box form.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing joint is tubular and is inset into the framework.

6. A device according to claim 1 wherein a profile, attached to the roof of a vehicle between the roof and the frame, possesses an external surface in extension of that of the roof and forms a second gutter therewith.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the profile attached to the roof has a substantially S-shaped section the upper arm of which constitutes the said second gutter and the lower arm of which serves as insetting support for the sealing joint.

8. A device according to claim 6, wherein the profile attached to the roof is constituted by the framework and has a substantially S-shaped section the upper arm of which constitutes the said second gutter and the lower arm of which serves as support for the sealing joint.

9. A device according to claim 6, wherein the profile attached to the roof is constituted by the box-shaped framework.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein a second elastic joint is mounted so as, in the closed position of the panel, to close the interval existing between the frame of the panel and its framework.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the second joint is fixed on the upper protruding flange of the frame of the panel.

12. A device according to claim 10, wherein the second joint is fixed on the framework.

13. A device according to claim 10, wherein the two joints are fast with the framework and are separated by a decorative profile fixed on the framework.

M. A device according to claim 1'0, wherein the second joint forms a dorsal ridge on the edges of the framework and has two pivoting lateral lips capable of being applied one against a descending edge of the framework and the other against the upper protruding flange of the frame of the panel.

15. A device according to claim 10, wherein the two joints are fast with the framework and are constituted by two lips of one single elastic joint.

16. A device according to claim 10, wherein at the level of the lateral uprights the framework is constituted by the lateral uprights themselves and serves as support for the sealing joint.

17. A device according to claim 1, wherein the frame of the panel overhangs substantially the edge of the framework by the end of its second external protruding surface. 

1. A device for effecting a seal between a panel and a framework, especially for automobile vehicles, the device comprising a fixed framework, a movable panel, a flange on the movable panel faired to prolong substantially the profile of the framework, and at least one sealing joint fixed on the panel or on the framework, the panel and its framework when placed side by side defining a gap between the flange of the panel and the framework and forming the orifice of a gutter, the bottom of which is constituted by the said joint, wherein the panel comprises a frame which has a first external surface in the plane of this panel and a second external surface protruding in alignment with and forming a continuation of an external surface of the framework in a normal position of said movable panel with respect to said framework, said panel being movable toward and away from said normal position thereof, when in the region of said normal position, in the general direction of said second external surface of said panel and said external surface of said framework, said framework having an inwardly directed peripheral flange means extending inwardly from said external surface of said framework at said gap and said panel having an internal surface directed toward and spaced from said flange means of said framework, said sealing joint bridging the space between said internal surface of said panel and said flange means of said framework when said panel is in said normal position thereof and said panel moving substantially perpendicularly to said flange means of said framework toward and away from said normal position of said panel when said panel is in the region of said normal position thereof, and said panel when in said normal position thereof being situated outwardly beyond said frameWork in a nonnesting relation with respect thereto.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing joint is fitted over a sharp edge constituted by the superimposition of a flange offset from the roof of a vehicle and of a flange of the framework, and comprises at least one lip constituting the bottom of the gutter.
 3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the frame of the panel has its end formed as a cavity capable of partially capping the sealing joint.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the framework is of box form.
 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing joint is tubular and is inset into the framework.
 6. A device according to claim 1 wherein a profile, attached to the roof of a vehicle between the roof and the frame, possesses an external surface in extension of that of the roof and forms a second gutter therewith.
 7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the profile attached to the roof has a substantially S-shaped section the upper arm of which constitutes the said second gutter and the lower arm of which serves as insetting support for the sealing joint.
 8. A device according to claim 6, wherein the profile attached to the roof is constituted by the framework and has a substantially S-shaped section the upper arm of which constitutes the said second gutter and the lower arm of which serves as support for the sealing joint.
 9. A device according to claim 6, wherein the profile attached to the roof is constituted by the box-shaped framework.
 10. A device according to claim 1, wherein a second elastic joint is mounted so as, in the closed position of the panel, to close the interval existing between the frame of the panel and its framework.
 11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the second joint is fixed on the upper protruding flange of the frame of the panel.
 12. A device according to claim 10, wherein the second joint is fixed on the framework.
 13. A device according to claim 10, wherein the two joints are fast with the framework and are separated by a decorative profile fixed on the framework.
 14. A device according to claim 10, wherein the second joint forms a dorsal ridge on the edges of the framework and has two pivoting lateral lips capable of being applied one against a descending edge of the framework and the other against the upper protruding flange of the frame of the panel.
 15. A device according to claim 10, wherein the two joints are fast with the framework and are constituted by two lips of one single elastic joint.
 16. A device according to claim 10, wherein at the level of the lateral uprights the framework is constituted by the lateral uprights themselves and serves as support for the sealing joint.
 17. A device according to claim 1, wherein the frame of the panel overhangs substantially the edge of the framework by the end of its second external protruding surface. 